Birgunj

Birgunj is the main commercial gateway between India and Nepal, located on the Terai plains of Madhesh Province directly opposite Raxaul in Bihar. For Indian travellers, it is the most common land entry into Nepal — the border at Raxaul–Birgunj handles the highest volume of cross-border traffic. Birgunj itself is primarily a transit and commercial town; most travellers continue onward to Kathmandu (130 km north, 4–5 hours by bus) or other destinations without stopping. The border is open 24 hours for pedestrians and vehicles. The town has regular bus connections to Kathmandu, Pokhara, Janakpur, and Chitwan. A new fast highway connecting Birgunj to Kathmandu via the Hetauda–Bhimphedi section has reduced road journey times.